Japanese troops depart for Iraq

Hundreds of Japanese troops gathered at their northern Japan base for a send-off yesterday before leaving for Iraq on a humanitarian mission that will be the largest and most dangerous deployment by Japan's military since World War II.

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi was expected to attend the farewell ceremony for about 500 soldiers.

The contingent will join small teams of Japanese soldiers and airmen who have been in Iraq and Kuwait for weeks making final preparations for the mission, which has divided Japan over its pacifist ideals and international responsibilities.